Zooplankton is a diverse group of small, often microscopic organisms that drift in water, and they do not have a single scientific name. Instead, the term ‘zooplankton’ refers to various species across different taxonomic groups, including protozoa, small crustaceans, and larval stages of fish and invertebrates.
In scientific contexts, researchers often specify the particular species they are studying. For instance, common examples of zooplankton include Daphnia (water fleas), Copepoda (copepods), and Rotifera (rotifers). Each of these groups belongs to their own scientific classification, which is essential for identifying and studying the specific characteristics and ecological roles of different zooplankton species.
So, while there is no single scientific name for zooplankton as a whole, each individual species within this group has its own unique name and classification.